Borneo Encompassed
16 days
Duration16 days

Few travel opportunities are as rare or special as the one to really get out there and explore the must-be-seen-to-be-believed nature and wildlife of the island of Borneo. Start at its heights by summiting UNESCO-designated Mt Kinabalu before descending into the mind-blowing caves of Gunung Mulu National Park. Throw in some unconventional cultural moments like drifting along the water by long boat and overnighting in an Iban longhouse of the Malay people and you've got 16 days of adventure that'll remain with you forever.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 16 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ages: 12+
Borneo Encompassed - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Kota Kinabalu/Mount Kinabalu
Travel to the base of Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea.

In the afternoon, stretch your legs by exploring the trails around the park or check out the visitor centre.
Travel to Mt Kinabalu. Opt to hike the nature trails, or enjoy an excursion to Poring hot springs and a canopy walk with some free time.
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Mount Kinabalu
Set off early to begin the ascent up Mt Kinabalu. It is not an easy walk, but it is incredibly rewarding. Willpower is the main requirement as it's uphill all the way!

Spend the night at Laban Rata in basic mountain huts 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level.

Turn in early to prepare for the final climb very early in the morning.
Head off to conquer Mt Kinabalu. During the first day's climb to Laban Rata, enjoy a packed lunch on the way. The hike can take from 5-7 hrs. Indulge in a buffet-style dinner then rest up for an early start to summit the mountain in the morning.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Mount Kinabalu/Kota Kinabalu
Summit Mt Kinabalu (3-5hrs) and arrive in time for sunrise. Return to Laban Rata for a rest and to the park headquarters for lunch. Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Kota Kinabalu/Pulau Tiga
After breakfast drive to Kuala Pinyu, then take a boat ride to the tropical island of Pulau Tiga. Opt to go on a jungle walk, snorkelling trip to snake island, or laze on the sandy beach.
Meals: B
Day 6: Pulau Tiga/Beaufort
Enjoy a relaxing morning. Go snorkelling off the beach or join your CEO for a walk to the natural volcanic mud baths. Travel back to the mainland and spot an array of wildlife from a river cruise on the Klias River. Transfer to the colonial town of Beaufort.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Beaufort
Catch the local train to Tenom and explore the scenic town. Visit the Murut Cultural Centre before returning to Beaufort by road. If you prefer, jump off the train early and opt out of the visit to Tenom to instead get your adrenaline pumping on a rafting tour.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Beaufort to Mulu National Park
Depart to Menumbok port and take a private speedboat to Labuan. Fly to Miri and make your way to Mulu National Park. Opt for a night walk on the boardwalks surrounding park headquarters.
Meals: B, D
Day 9: Mulu National Park
Depart on an easy walk along the river to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. After a lunch stop, swim in the crystal clear waters emerging from the mountain. Opt to stop at Iban village's morning market to browse handicrafts by the Pena tribe, descendants from headhunters. Walk on the boardwalk to Lang Cave and Deer Cave before relaxing with a drink at the viewing area for the nightly emergence of 3 million bats.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Mulu National Park to Kota Kinabalu
Before breakfast, opt to go on a two hour morning mist guided walk on the worlds longest tree based canopy walk. Enjoy free time to before boarding a flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Meals: B
Day 11: Kota Kinabalu/Kuching
Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching. Enjoy some free time in the evening.
Day 12: Kuching/Bako National Park
Depart Kuching in the morning, passing through mangrove forest before arriving at Bako village. Continue along the coast by motorized boat to reach Bako National Park. Hike through the park and experience amazing plant and wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for the proboscis monkey. Return to Kuching in the evening.
Meals: B, L
Day 13: Kuching/Batang Ai
Drive through the scenic countryside, passing plantations, rivers, rainforest to reach the Batang Ai jetty, stopping en route to visit a trading town and a local farmhouse. From the jetty transfer via boat to a local Iban longhouse and enjoy a stay with this welcoming community while learning more about their culture.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Batang Ai
Witness a blowpipe demonstration before setting off by longboat for a trip across the lake. Disembark and enjoy a hike through the forest and a local lunch at a scenic locale. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the water before heading to our hotel for the night.
Meals: B, L
Day 15: Batang Ai/Kuching
Return to the jetty by boat and continue overland to Kuching, stopping en route to visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and with some luck spot a wild orangutan passing through.
Meals: B, L
Day 16: Kuching
Depart at any time.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Iban Longhouse Homestay, Batang Ai
  • Mt Kinabalu hike (2 days)
  • Deer and Lang caves visit
  • Bat exodus observation
  • Wind and Clearwater caves exploration
  • Mud volcano visit and trek (Pulau Tiga)
  • Bako NP excursion
  • Trading town and farm visit
  • Blowpipe demonstration
  • Forest hike and local lunch
  • Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre visit
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Private vehicle, Plane, Longboat, Ferry, Boat, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (9 nts), Mountain lodge/hostel (2 nts, multi-share), Lodge (1 nt), Jungle lodge/hostel (2 nts), Traditional longhouse (1 nt, multi-share)
  • Meals

    14 breakfasts,
    9 lunches,
    7 dinners

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